Is CompUSA stopping selling Athlon PCs?

They've sure got Intel P4 boxes

CompUSA has run out of AMD-based Hewlett-Packard PCs, prompting speculation over the future of the chipmaker at the US computer store.

The rumour sprang from a discussion this month on investment analysis Website Clearstation.com from someone calling themselves "thark57" and claiming to be a CompUSA sales person and AMD shareholder.

"I recently read an internal CompUSA e-mail that stated CompUSA is not going to offer the Hewlett-Packard PC's [sic] with Athlon processors, only PIV," the posting claimed.

"A week later I saw the HP rep and mentioned it to him. He confirmed it and expressed disappointment in the fact because AMD has the better processor. He also stated that he thought the Compaq line was going to be under the same 'guidelines' soon," it continued.

thark57 said CompUSA felt the P4 had been outselling the Athlon 1.2 gig in its stores, hence the decision.

CompUSA telesales staff yesterday confirmed they were only able to offer HP machines with Intel processors. They were unable to say when they would get their next shipment of Athlon-based HP PCs. A CompUSA representative was unable to confirm or deny any such decision regarding AMD. ®